This Is Why The Heart Symbol Is Actually Associated With Love

So now you know.

Today, the shape of a heart is one of the most prevalent symbols in popular culture. We eat heart-shaped chocolates, wear t-shirts that read "I <3 NYC" and end texts to our significant others with a heart emoji.

... and in Ancient Greece the human heart was thought to contain one's soul.

Soon enough, people started drawing connections between the human heart and love.

Or it appears so, when looking at the Medieval Art of the Western world. Sure there were illustrations of the human heart before, but this one below is quite special. It's the first known depiction of the human heart as a symbol of love, and not an anatomical object.

Ta-dah! In 1530, the modern heart pops up on the Luther Seal, the symbol of Lutheranism.

As Martin Luther explained himself, "Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives."

Well put, Mister.

Next, the shape of the heart starts appearing on stuff like playing cards an tapestries.

OK. So it perhaps it wasn't only about religion and love at that time. Maybe a little bit of games and parties too.